Author: Erik J. Heels

Also known as the Prisoner of War (POW) Code of Conduct.

In August of 1984 (I don’t recall the exact date), I first put on a United States Air Force uniform, as an AFROTC cadet at MIT. Shortly thereafter, I was taught the United States Armed Forces Code Of Conduct (AKA the Prisoner of War (POW) Code of Conduct):

ARTICLE I.

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

ARTICLE II.

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

ARTICLE III.

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

ARTICLE IV.

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

ARTICLE V.

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

ARTICLE VI.

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

I posted the above on my dorm room door. Although not strictly an oath, the United States Armed Forces Code Of Conduct shaped how I thought about my service to my country.